Porsche News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2022

L'Art de L'Automobile Releases A Limited-Edition Porsche ...

Down to every detail, this is as close as it gets to the real deal. Porsche’s influence on art carries just as much significance as it does on the track, creating timeless examples that seem to age like a fine wine. Exploring the beauty of Porsche through streetwear, L’Art de L’Automobile’s founder Arthur Kar has built his brand on pure passion. After working closely with Porsche on a one-of-a-kind Porsche 968 for the car’s 30th anniversary, L’Art decided that a small-scale version is a next step to complete its collection series. L’Art de L’Automobile is proud to release the limited-edition Porsche 968 L’Art Model Car. MUST-READ: The New 30th Anniversary Porsche 968 By L’Art de L’Automobile The collectible toy car made by Porsche comes with a 1:43 scale design that features the exact L’Art Pearl Green finish as the actual build. Embellishing every detail incorporated into the special project, the commemorative collectible includes accurate RECARO seats, space grey speed line wheels, a TAG Heuer watch, and BOSE sound system. Packaging also presents the Porsche 968 KAR on a numbered display stand that signifies each of the limited 1,968 models. The all-new Porsche Limited 968 L’Art Model Car is currently available on L’Art de L’Autombile’s website for $60. View all current Porsche examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 15, 2022

Porsche x SONRA Release Its New 50Y Edition 'Sneaker Tril...

Porsche design DNA meets urban sneaker culture reloaded: the strictly limited Sonra sneaker 50Y Edition with the models Past, Present, Future. Inside Porsche Design’s extensive collection of luxury lifestyle offerings, its premium sneaker line stands out by incorporating aspects from Porsche’s fleet of performance sports cars. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Porsche Design is teaming up with SONRA on its second collaboration release. The all-new SONRA 50Y Edition Collection is inspired by past, present, and future Porsche milestone models. The special collection takes shape as a sneaker trilogy, featuring three unique styles combining the heritage of Porsche Design with the urban sneaker culture of the Berlin sneaker label SONRA. MUST-READ: These Porsche Design Speakers Add Luxury And Performance To Any Home Or Office The most innovative silhouette of the three is the Future Sneaker, a one-off design reminiscent of racecars and the exterior components that achieve optimal aerodynamics. The Present Sneaker includes elements from the special Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years of Porsche Design model. Strictly limited to 250 pairs, each pair comes with an NFC chip integrated into the tongue to ensure authenticity. Limited to 50 pairs and available exclusively from the Porsche Design Store in Berlin, the Porsche Design x SONRA Past Sneaker commemorates the restored Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa used in the 50th-anniversary celebration. The all-new Porsche Design x SONRA 50Y Edition sneaker collection is currently available by clicking on the link below. Shop Porsche Design x SONRA Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 11, 2022

Porsche Design Teases A New 50th Anniversary Performance ...

The automotive-inspired lifestyle brand celebrates its 50th anniversary with an upcoming special sneaker release. With a year of celebration coming to a close, Porsche Design’s 50th anniversary commemorates the innovative mind of founder Professor F.A. Porsche. From luxury home offerings to state-of-the-art electronics, the lifestyle sector embodies the same modern approach as sports car engineering. After announcing its most recent winter collaboration with HEAD skis, Porsche Design took to its Instagram page to tease a possible new sneaker collection. Inviting fans to take a guess at what is to come, the comment section is flooded with suggestions for partnerships with industry-leading footwear brands. MUST-READ: The Best Porsches You Can Buy Today The post highlights new low-cut styles in three unique colorways, blurring each photo just enough to create mystery throughout its community of followers. Nonetheless, the collection is sure to be an anticipated release for the owner with a Porsche 911 GT3 in the garage. Although pricing and release information have yet to be announced, Porsche Design promises that this is definitely a highlight of its 50th anniversary. Shop Porsche Design’s current collections by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and gear releases. Shop Porsche Design View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche Design (@porschedesign) Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2022

Porsche x HEAD Prep For Winter With These Mountain Essent...

These handmade high-performance ski products are the first result of the co-operation between the Stuttgart sports car company and Austrian sporting goods manufacturer HEAD. Already establishing dominance on tracks all around the world, the Porsche brand also ventures outside of vehicle manufacturing to showcase its talents in an array of other sports and industries. Teaming up with the leaders in ski technology at HEAD, the dynamic duo is proud to take on any mountain this winter with a collection of winter products. Highlighting the new lineup of Porsche x HEAD products at the SnowTime event on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Austria, winter sports fans were allowed to test out the brand-new Porsche 7 Series and Porsche 8 Series skis. MUST-READ: These Porsche Design Speakers Add Luxury And Performance To Any Home Or Office These handmade high-performance skis are the first result of the cooperation between the Stuttgart sports car company and the Austrian sporting goods manufacturer. Along with a fresh set of skis, the collection also features apparel and accessories that help ensure safety at high altitudes during tough winter conditions. Fans of winter sports can choose from a performance jacket, mid layer, snow pants, helmet, and a pair of performance ski poles. Shop any of the new Porsche x HEAD winter products featured in this special by clicking on the links below. PORSCHE | HEAD 8 Series Skis Faster, more stable all-mountain skis from PORSCHE | HEAD in a wide design for varied snow conditions. World Cup sandwich construction with wood core. Shop Now PORSCHE | HEAD 7 Series Skis Stable and fast: 70 mm racing skis from PORSCHE | HEAD in World Cup construction with a solid wood core and bindings with full heel release for advanced carvers. Shop Now PORSCHE | HEAD Carbon Ski Poles Light, stable, exclusive: PORSCHE | HEAD carbon ski poles, suitable for the 7 Series and 8 Series skis. Sizes: 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135 and 140 cm. Shop Now PORSCHE | HEAD Ski Jacket High quality PORSCHE | HEAD men's ski jacket with snow guard and detachable hood in an exclusive, sporty design. Warmly lined, wind and water repellent. Shop Now PORSCHE | HEAD Midlayer Designer men's ski midlayer by PORSCHE | HEAD with PrimaLoft padding. The sleeves and back of the zip-up ski pullover are made of body-mapped stretch. Shop Now PORSCHE | HEAD Radar Helmet High-end ski helmet with integrated, photochromic 5K visor, Sphere Fit protection system and MIPS safety system. Exclusive Porsche design in matte Black and White. Shop Now PORSCHE | HEAD Ski Pants Designer men's ski pants from the exclusive PORSCHE | HEAD collection. Warmly lined and wind and water repellent, with vents and cut protection. Shop Now Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 25, 2022

Shop Porsche Designs New 60s & 70s-Inspired Essentials Co...

Travel back to the sixties and seventies with Porsche. Porsche’s DNA embodies the desire to carry itself as a pioneer and leader in the market of luxury sports cars, continuing to push boundaries to create a truly unique driving experience for its community of passionate enthusiasts. With a brand that operates more like a luxury lifestyle, Porsche celebrates past, present, and future models through its collection of Porsche Design products. Porsche Design is proud to commemorate classic Porsche models with a collection inspired by the 60s and 70s. As part of the extensive Essentials Collection, the new releases feature vintage Porsche logos against an elegant Bordeaux tone. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The product line includes a sweatshirt, two t-shirts, and a unisex beanie that take inspiration from icons like the 1965 Porsche 911 Targa. The highlighted piece in the collection is the connecting rod hoodie, which visually showcases the revolutionary decade of Porsche. Shop all of the products and accessories from Porsche Design by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury gear releases and Porsche news. Shop Porsche Design Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 24, 2022

Porsche Design Sets A New Standard For Gaming With The AO...

The bold, streamlined design takes its inspiration from the world of Porsche sports cars. Leading the way in automotive performance and technology, Porsche continues to elevate its driving experience with innovative features that better connect the driver to the car. These technological milestones include an all-new aero system on the 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, capturing its powerful DRS feature from Formula One race cars. Establishing itself as a luxury lifestyle powerhouse, Porsche is excited to take its state-of-the-art technology into the home with a line of Porsche Design electronics. Alongside its extensive collection of communication, computing, and sound products, Porsche Design is proud to release its new AOC Agon Pro PD32M designer monitor. MUST-READ: Shop Porsche’s Newly Updated 2022 eBike Collection, Inspired By The Electric Taycan Porsche Design and AOC gaming have come together to set a new standard for the market of gaming monitors. The 32-inch mini-LED monitor rests on an aluminum stand inspired by the classic style of Porsche steering wheels. Gamers can focus on details like the interior stitching on a Porsche Taycan Turbo S with an ultra-clear 4K resolution display. While Porsche traditionally fits its lineup with high-horsepower engines and electric motors for a faster 0-60mph time, the AOC Agon Pro PD32M achieves is 144 Hz refresh speed from the performance of AOC gaming’s Agon technology. The all-new Porsche Design AOC Ago Pro PD32M is currently available for $1,799 by clicking on the link below. SHOP NOW Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 17, 2022

Porsche Opens Its 'Driven by Dreams' Brand Store In The H...

The opening also underscores the commitment of Porsche to its home city. As a passion project that continues to evolve into a lifestyle, Porsche Design showcases a line of luxury products that take on the same high-quality construction as the brand’s fleet of performance cars. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Porsche Design is excited to promote the opening of its all-new brand store in the heart of Stuttgart, Germany. The location proves to be the perfect location as the German automotive manufacturer produces and ships its extensive line of vehicles from the home city. The storefront titled “Porsche Driven by Dreams’ offers visitors the ability to not only connect with the brand but also understand where it came from and where it’s headed. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Porsche Design GT3 RS Chronograph x Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS Along with a showroom that presents all of Porsche Design’s current apparel and accessories collection, the store will also include products from partnering companies that align with Porsche’s values. Guests will have the option to configure and order Porsche vehicles from the Porsche Driven by Dreams store, presenting a chat function to contact the dealership for reservations, in-stock availability, and previously owned cars. The Brand Store will regularly host daytime and evening events, using its modernly minimal design to capture the attention of owners and future clientele. Shop all of the luxury products and accessories from Porsche Design by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury lifestyle releases and Porsche news. SHOP PORSCHE DESIGN

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2022

Shop Porsche's Newly Updated 2022 eBike Collection, Inspi...

Both models were developed in collaboration with eBike expert Rotwild. Alongside iconic models like the Porsche 911, the German automotive manufacturer also appeals to the growing cycling community with a collection of performance ebikes. After the first successful launch of the eBike Sport and eBike Cross last year, Porsche is proud to introduce two newly updated versions with inspiration from both the bike and luxury auto industries. With a timeless design inspired by the Porsche Taycan, each Porsche eBike presents an organically shaped carbon frame that mirrors the flyline of the sports car. SHOP NOW The Porsche eBike Sport serves its purpose as the perfect everyday commuter roadbike, widening its horizon to city or countryside terrain with new Continental tires. While Porsche equips the Taycan Turbo S and 911 GT3 RS with carbon ceramic brakes, the eBike utilizes a powerful Magura four-piston caliper for better deceleration. The Porsche eBike Sport is driven by a Shimano EP-8 engine and a 630Wh battery, offering instant acceleration for assistance on steep inclines or longer bicycle rides. Showcasing its commitment and ability to travel far away from paved roads, the Porsche eBike Cross solidifies itself as a state-of-the-art mountain bike with performance in mind. Achieving the same power output as the Sport version, the eBike Cross differs by maximizing its off-road potential. Porsche engineered the electric mountain bike with upgrades like Magura-MT trail disc brakes, a Shimano XT derailleur, a hydraulically adjustable Crankbrothers seat post, and a new Fox 34 Performance suspension fork. Conveying the fascination of Porsche on two wheels, the new Porsche Design eBike Collection is currently available starting at $9,500 by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Porsche news. SHOP NOW

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 08, 2022

Porsche's New Hard Case Roof Tent Is Perfect For The Next...

Experience the exhilaration of Porsche sports cars in a fresh way, in the great outdoors. The diverse lineup of performance cars and SUVs from Porsche are not only engineered to tackle the track but also to experience the great outdoors on undiscovered roads. Establishing its dominance as the perfect automotive brand for all your adventurous needs, Porsche offers Genuine Equipment Accessories that adapt your vehicle to the environment around you. Porsche is proud to announce the release of its all-new Roof Tent as part of its practical adventure equipment, transforming the sports car into nature's perfect hotel room. Developed at the Weissach Development Centre and co-designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, the aesthetically modern roof tent features a hardcore construction with a quick setup and take-down process. MUST-READ: Champion Porsche Wins the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge With A 1989 911 Turbo The all-season tent comfortably fits two people and includes a series of windows that can be fully opened for ventilation, which also incorporates an insect guard to protect against mosquitos at the campsite. A plush high-density poly foam mattress is also integrated into its structure. Porsche is excited to present the hard case tent for roof transport systems on 911, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Taycan models. Customers have the choice between the Black/Light Grey and Black/Dark Grey hard case, both of which showcase a matte black Porsche logo. The all-new Porsche hard case roof tent is currently available through an authorized dealer for $4,96, with delivery set to begin in November 2022. View all current Porsche inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Porsche news. VIEW ALL PORSCHE FOR SALE Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 16, 2022

Porsche Design Releases A New Limited-Edition 50Y Anniver...

Refined and limited to only 1,972 bottles. As Porsche Design continues to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2022, the luxury lifestyle brand is proud to showcase limited edition products and accessories with inspiration from the performance-driven specialists at Porsche. With a wide variety of products that range from luxury timepieces to high-end writing utensils, Porsche Design focuses on delivering a deluxe version of everyday items. Porsche Design is excited to announce the release of its new 50Y Eau de Toilette, an exclusive fragrance that perfectly embodies the brand’s essence through a masculine sent. Designed as a special edition, the exclusive 50Y special edition of the men's fragrance Porsche Design Pure pays homage to the founding year of Porsche Design. MUST-READ: Porsche Design Unveils A One-of-One Sally Special Chronograph For The ‘Cars’ Movie 20th Anniversary The 50Y Porsche Design Pure Eau de Toilette comes as part of a limited release of 1,972 bottles, representing the founding year. The fragrance itself features a warm, masculine-elegant aura through clary sage, cashmeran and lavandin in the heart note and the base accord of sweet gum, vetiver and patchouli. The black lacquered glass bottle is designed in-house by Studio F.A. Porsche, which also includes brushed aluminum highlights, a 50Y Porsche Design logo, and an individual limited edition number. The all-new Porsche Design 50Y Pure Eau de Toilette is currently available with a price tag of $145 by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and releases. SHOP NOW Porsche Design Source: Porsche Design

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